Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Romance is in the Air...and so is a Sweet Discount!

Happy Valentine's Day! Since this is a day of love, I thought I'd share one of my little romantic collections with you. Back in the day, a lady had a collection of handkerchiefs and once they were all ironed and ready to go, she wouldn't want them to get rumpled. She no doubt had on hand a handkerchief keep that she could keep in the drawer to store her pretty hankies in. As was the case, then and now, we ladies liked to make our functional items pretty, so you will find all manner of hanky keepers or holders if you keep your peepers open. Many (most that I've seen) are constructed of silk in and out and fold over like a piece of paper with some type of either button closure or ribbon tie. I have a few of these being the collector that I am, so I thought I'd share a few of my favorites with you.

This romantic little couple is basically a transfer on silk. I know how we do this nowadays, but I am not sure of the process they used back then to put the image on the silk.

This gorgeous one is embroidered with silk thread. LOVE the basket of flowers, don't you?

This one is a combination of the transfer for the face and hand painting all around, including the beautiful pink flowers.

This fabulous pansy design is hand painted. Pansies were a favorite of the Victorian era I believe since you see them pop up on all sorts of decorative items from china to silk to canvasas.

I hope you enjoyed seeing a few of my favorite things and I hope you all have a wonderful day with those you love, especially if there is a special someone in your life. As a thank you to my blog readers and my great Etsy customers, I am offering a very SWEET discount of 30% off ANY ITEM in my Etsy shop, Elegant Farmhouse. Now is the time to buy yourself a treat or a gift for someone else...just enter the discount code IHEARTYOU at checkout. This deal is sweet, but just like that Valentine's candy, it will be gone fast as it expires in 24 hours. Jump on it before noon Pacific time tomorrow , February 15th. I will be sharing this post for White Wednesday; join me, won't you?

I collect vintage hankies myself, though I have never seen these lil beauties.So pretty! Thanks for sharing with us.I have a hard time leaving a comment on some blogs and yours is one of them.Ugh! Blogger, oh well got it to work today.Hope you had a fabulous Valentines Day~Cheers Kim

Hi, I have awarded you A Versatile Blogger Award for your lovely blog! You don't have to accept if you don't like awards, just know how much I enjoy your posts. If you do, please pop by my blog for further details xxx

I was just scrolling down your beautiful blog and again had to stop because of your lovely collection. I'm not sure I was ever really aware of these before. You have enlightened me to something new and beautiful. Lovely and sweet!

How an amazing collection you have. Do you have any more information (date, where it's from...) of th first one because I have one like this (it have a different couple but it's bassically the same). I haven't got any photo of it now but I can take some if you want.I love your blog

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A BIT ABOUT ME

I am a wife, mother, mosaic artist, microbiologist,antique dealer,and gypsy soul living in the beautiful state of Colorado. My life keeps me busy, but happy.
My sons entertain and inspire me with their energy and joie de vivre. Sometimes, being a middle aged mom, they wear me out, but I've never regretted one moment we've been together.
In 2004, my son, who was 4 at the time, was diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia. He had to undergo over 3 years of chemotherapy to get better. I'm happy to report that he is doing well, but the experience was life changing. I realized that "someday" is a luxury that not everyone will get to enjoy. So, with a new paradigm, I have embarked upon the artistic journey that I dreamed of doing SOMEDAY. I love making mosaic art, selling antiques, and dreaming of that beautiful, antique, French inspired space, with lots of glamour, grace, and, of course, a healthy dose of Legos on the floor along with a little Army man or two. This is, after all, reality! Live your dream, but keep it real.